Definition of answer back

The phrase "answer back" is an expression used to signify the response of a person or animal to a command or request. The origin of this term can be traced back to medieval England, where it was commonly used to describe the response of a serf or peasant to a feudal lord's demand. In those times, a feudal lord would ask his subjects for various services, such as farming, construction, or military duties. The peasant, known as a serf, was technically bound to the lord's will and would be required to respond favorably to such requests. However, there were instances in which the serf would refuse to cooperate, asserting their own independence and will. In such circumstances, the serf might respond sarcastically, sarcastically or with a quip that can be seen as an "answer back." The lord, amused or irritated, would then respond, depending on the circumstances, often reaffirming his authority or expressly warning his subjects against such insubordination, further establishing the distinct boundaries between the lord and his servant. Over time, this expression has spread beyond its historical context, taking on additional connotations that signify a smirk, a verbal retort, or even a witty rejoinder, regardless of its genesis as a warning against peasant insubordination.